Inspirational heritage timeline reveals 200 years of Coalville history

A new 50-metre timeline revealing the heritage and history of Coalville has been unveiled in the town centre.

The colourful display stretching along Hotel Street is the result of a partnership between North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) and Coalville Heritage Society, with kind permission from landowner Motors Coalville Ltd.

The timeline meanders through 200 years of the town’s history, and has been installed to coincide with the launch of Hello Heritage fortnight across the district.

Members from Coalville Heritage Society dressed up in period costumes and joined NWLDC councillors for the unveiling of the timeline.

The project forms part of the council’s Choose Coalville project, which is investing in the regeneration and revitalisation of the town.

Stuart Warburton from Coalville Heritage Society said: “The key to this timeline has been the partnership between ourselves and the council, and we’re delighted to see it in place for everyone to enjoy.

“We set out with the same objectives, which is to not forget the history and heritage of Coalville, and to show this is in a positive way that can be enjoyed into the future.

“The timeline offers a real chance to reminisce and bring back memories. A lot of hard work has gone into it and we hope people enjoy it.”

Leader of NWLDC, Councillor Richard Blunt, said: “We’ve got this amazing history here in Coalville and we wanted to find a way of celebrating this.

“Coalville Heritage Society has this amazing knowledge of the town and archive of images. It’s been a pleasure working with them to create this timeline.

“The timeline is about reflecting and reminiscing but we also hope it acts as an inspiration to people in making them proud of Coalville.

“This is just one of a number of Choose Coalville projects currently ongoing – the council recently allocated a further £777,000 towards the regeneration of the town – and we look forward to seeing these plans come to fruition.”

This funding is going towards the redesign of Marlborough Square, improvements to Memorial Square and traffic calming improvements on Ashby Road.

The installation of the timeline coincides with the launch of NWLDC’s Hello Heritage fortnight

This will see more than 15 buildings and locations across North West Leicestershire throw open their doors, gates and fields open for free between Friday 1 September and Sunday 17 September.

Participants range from well-known venues like Ashby Castle, Moira Furnace and Coalville’s Century Theatre to hidden gems like Thringstone House or the New Lount Colliery Heritage Trail.